Remote work is thriving more than ever in 2025, and digital nomads are looking for more countries where they can thrive. The concept of traditional office spaces is diminishing more than ever since individuals want a more flexible working mode. However, inflation is also on the rise, so naturally, everyone is looking for countries with a low cost of living.
There are a lot of countries that offer a low cost of living in 2025, which makes them ideal places for a digital nomad to work in. The growth of digital nomadism has reshaped when and how individuals live and work. To keep pace with this shift, countries around the world have introduced specialized work visas that cater to location-independent workers. These digital nomad visas make it possible to stay longer than a tourist visa typically allows, often with the legal right to live, work remotely, and tap into local services for months or even years at a time.
Whether you’re just starting your journey or looking to relocate, this guide to the best countries for digital nomads will highlight budget-friendly destinations where you can live, work, and thrive.
Bulgaria—A Hidden Gem for Budget-Friendly
With cities like Sofia, Plovdiv, and Bansko, Bulgaria stands out as one of the best budget-friendly countries for digital nomads in 2025. Bulgaria is an ideal place to work remotely, and you could end up staying. The appeal of Bulgaria to remote workers and digital nomads to stay for a few weeks or months, or to simply establish a base there, is growing. The advantages are rather simple since they offer a low cost of living, a decent standard of living, proximity to nature, excellent aircraft connections, and a global setting. Aside from its affordability, Bulgaria is gaining recognition as a tax-friendly digital nomad country, offering favorable tax conditions and affordable real estate. It’s also known for its fast-growing digital infrastructure and welcoming nomad communities.
Ukraine – Affordable Living with Growing Opportunities
Despite its complex past, Ukraine is emerging as one of the most affordable digital nomad destinations in 2025. Cities like Kyiv and Lviv offer high-quality internet, coworking spaces, and a booming IT sector that creates ample networking opportunities. Architecture, customs, and food all reflect the nation’s rich past, which encompasses elements from both Eastern and Western cultures. You could learn about the history of Ukraine as a digital nomad and take advantage of its affordability. The information technology (IT) industry in Ukraine has been flourishing in recent years, with an increasing number of companies and tech hubs springing up that might provide digital nomads with networking and employment prospects. Furthermore, Ukraine has relaxed its visa requirements for remote workers, which makes it simpler for nomads to enter the country and work legitimately, making it an affordable digital nomad destination in 2025.
The requirements of digital nomads have also been met by Ukraine’s investments in enhancing its digital infrastructure, which includes co-working facilities in major cities and dependable internet access. Also, the country boasts a thriving expat community and a friendly atmosphere for visitors, which facilitates digital nomads’ adjustment and allows them to meet like-minded people.
Estonia—Digital Innovation Meets Tranquility
Estonia is one of the most underrated countries that is extremely suitable for digital nomads since it satisfies all the criteria that a digital nomad might require. It has a peaceful atmosphere that cannot be replicated anywhere else with its clean environment, fast internet, and friendly fellow digital nomads. Compared to other countries, it is a much safer country than many other countries in the world; it can be considered a haven for women, especially.
With the Estonia Digital Nomad Visa, remote workers can legally reside in Estonia for a maximum of one year while working as freelancers serving clients worldwide or for a business registered elsewhere. It was launched in August 2020 for digital nomads to experience Estonia’s evolving society and advanced digital civilization.
Malta—Sunshine, Connectivity, and Community
Malta has quickly become one of the best places for digital nomads in 2025, thanks to its Nomad Residence Permit and ultra-fast 5G network. By introducing the Nomad Residence Permit (NRP) in 2021, the Mediterranean island nation of Malta made it permissible for distant workers to reside and work there. The NRP has a one-year expiration date and is renewable. Due to its year-round sunlight, fast internet, and high standard of living, Malta’s diversified expat population draws digital nomads from all over the world. Malta has demonstrated its dedication to a high-speed internet connection by being the first EU member to establish a national 5G network. Further, Malta boasts a strong network of co-working facilities that may provide networking opportunities, productive work conditions, and a place to practice teamwork when you need to escape the seclusion of island life. It might be difficult to relocate to an unknown country if you are unable to communicate well in the native tongue. Yet, English is a highly utilized language in Malta, with the majority of speakers conversant in it. This removes any obstacles to networking and possibilities, and facilitates the process of connecting for digital nomads. Although not the cheapest option in Europe, Malta remains a safe and affordable country for digital nomads, especially for those seeking a balance between Mediterranean charm and professional infrastructure.
Turkey—A Cultural Powerhouse with Affordability
As a digital nomad, Turkey is without a doubt one of the most appealing and diverse nations you can go to. It offers every aspect: a vibrant city, stunning beaches, a millennium culture, a strong sense of identity, famous food, friendly residents, and plenty of sights and activities. The government introduced its digital nomad visa in April 2024 in an attempt to draw even more remote workers to this picturesque nation, even if the internet infrastructure isn’t the most advanced yet, apart from in key centers like Istanbul and Antalya. It provides a decent cost of living that can comfortably sustain you for months without you burning a hole in your pocket. Turkey answers the question, “What is the best country to live in as a digital nomad?”—especially if you’re after cultural richness on a budget.
With more countries than ever offering specialized visas and tailored infrastructures, digital nomads in 2025 are spoiled for choice. From the cheapest European countries for digital nomads, like Bulgaria and Ukraine, to tax-friendly hubs like Estonia and Malta, there is a destination for every type of remote worker.
Whether you’re wondering what the cheapest country is for digital nomads or seeking a blend of affordability and safety, the list above serves as a reliable guide to cheap digital nomad destinations in 2025. Your ideal location depends on your lifestyle, work needs, and personal goals—but one thing is clear: the world is more open than ever to the digital nomad lifestyle.
